Fighting Maroons Open Asian University Campaign in Tokyo December 27

University of the Philippines will represent the country during the Asian University Basketball League’s first full home-and-away season. The Fighting Maroons drew two Japanese universities in Group 4 and will begin their continental campaign December 27 in Tokyo.

UP Draws Two Japanese Schools in AUBL Group 4

Rommel Fuertes Jr. of INQUIRER.net covered UP’s inclusion in Group 4 alongside two Japanese university basketball programs. The Fighting Maroons will meet Nippon Sport Science University and Nihon University twice during the new group-stage format.

Each Eastern Conference team plays four group games, meeting both opponents once at home and once on the road. UP’s schedule therefore includes two games in Japan and another two home assignments scheduled for the Philippines.

Image from: Sports Inquirer – Inquirer.net

Fighting Maroons Open AUBL Campaign in Tokyo

UP begins its campaign against Nippon Sport Science University in Tokyo on December 27 before three February assignments. The Maroons then host both Japanese opponents in Manila before completing their group schedule at Nihon University in Tokyo.

UP Enters AUBL With Strong UAAP Season 89 Form

UP currently leads UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball with a 7-2 record following five consecutive victories in domestic competition. The Fighting Maroons reached that mark after defeating University of the East, 101-70, during their latest second-round assignment.

Veejay Pre recorded 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists against UE, while Gani Stevens contributed another 13 points. Choi Palanca added 12 points as UP’s reserves helped transform the fourth quarter into a comfortable 31-point victory.

Five-Game Winning Run Builds UP Momentum

UP’s victory over UE extended its winning streak to five games and restored sole possession of the UAAP standings lead. The Maroons scored 101 points against UE after previously defeating the Red Warriors, 91-81, during their first-round meeting.

Home-and-Away Format Defines New AUBL Campaign

AUBL’s 2026-27 season introduces its first full home-and-away schedule after staging centralized tournaments during its first two editions. The league’s Eastern Conference features 12 universities divided into four groups, with three programs assigned to each section.

Teams face each group opponent twice, producing one home game and one road meeting against every assigned university. Eastern Conference games run from November through March before qualifying programs advance toward Championship Week in August 2027.

UP Will Also Host Group Games in Philippines

UP is scheduled to host Nippon Sport Science University on February 12 before welcoming Nihon University two days later. The Fighting Maroons complete their four-game group schedule at Nihon University in Tokyo on February 21.

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Eight Teams Advance From AUBL Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference’s top eight teams by record will qualify for the next phase of the expanded continental competition. Defending champion Shanghai Jiao Tong University receives an automatic berth after capturing the 2026 AUBL championship in Hangzhou.

If Shanghai Jiao Tong finishes among the top eight, the ninth-place team will receive the remaining Eastern Conference qualification spot. Nine Eastern Conference teams eventually join three Southern Conference qualifiers for Championship Week from August 16 through August 22, 2027.

Shanghai Jiao Tong Holds Automatic Championship Berth

Shanghai Jiao Tong earned automatic qualification after defeating National Chengchi University, 72-69, for the 2026 AUBL championship. Its protected place creates the possibility of nine teams advancing through Eastern Conference standings rather than the standard eight.

AUBL Field Brings Together Asian University Programs

The expanded 2026-27 AUBL season features 18 university programs from 11 Asian markets across its Eastern and Southern conferences. UP competes within the 12-team Eastern Conference alongside universities representing China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, and the Philippines.

The regular season contains 54 games before 12 qualifying programs compete during Championship Week in August 2027. UP’s inclusion follows its appearance at AUBL26, where the Fighting Maroons advanced from group play before reaching the quarterfinals.

Four Groups Form the AUBL Eastern Conference

• Group 1: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Yonsei University, and Tsinghua University comprise the first three-team Eastern Conference section.
• Group 2: Peking University, Konkuk University, and Taiyuan University of Technology make up the second Eastern Conference group.
• Group 3: Waseda University, Korea University, and Mongolia’s University of Finance and Economics form another three-team section.
• Group 4: University of the Philippines joins Nippon Sport Science University and Nihon University for its home-and-away group campaign.

Analytical Breakdown: UP Must Prepare for Opponents’ Adjustments

UP’s biggest challenge will be adjusting quickly to unfamiliar opponents whose systems and tendencies differ from regular UAAP competition. The home-and-away format rewards tactical flexibility because each rematch gives opponents opportunities to adjust defensive coverages, rotations, and offensive priorities. UP’s four-game group schedule makes those adjustments particularly important because every opponent receives a second opportunity after the initial meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UP representing the Philippines in the AUBL?

The UP Fighting Maroons will represent the Philippines during the AUBL’s expanded 2026-27 home-and-away university basketball season.

Which teams are in UP’s AUBL group?

UP belongs to Group 4 alongside Japan’s Nippon Sport Science University and Nihon University during the Eastern Conference campaign.

When is UP’s first AUBL game?

The Fighting Maroons will begin their AUBL campaign against Nippon Sport Science University in Tokyo on December 27.

Will UP play AUBL games in the Philippines?

UP will host Nippon Sport Science University and Nihon University during two Philippine group-stage assignments scheduled for February 2027.

How many teams advance from the AUBL Eastern Conference?

Eight teams advance by record, while ninth place also qualifies if automatic qualifier Shanghai Jiao Tong finishes inside eight.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from One Sports on Facebook.